WFMZ-TV News Studio Optimizes Space with Panasonic Mountable Cameras, Video Wall Solution

WFMZ-TV, a television station in Allentown, PA, recently rolled out five mounted remote control Panasonic AW-HE130 pan/tilt/zoom cameras in its new downtown Allentown Studio and four other AW-HE130s used at its main studio for newsroom standups, weather and boardwalk shots. The studio, located at the street-level entrance to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ new PPL Center arena, is part of a $1 billion redevelopment in downtown Allentown.

“When you find a location like this, you don’t necessarily get all the space you want. We needed to get creative with the design and equipment, including cameras and a video wall, that would provide not only exceptional video quality, but also fit in our limited space,” said Barry Fisher, WFMZ-TV General Manager. “The new studio is home to the 69News at Noon newscast. The daily use of this studio enables us to be a daily part of the community.”

The nine AW-HE130 cameras, which measure approximately 7″ x 9″ x 9″, were easily mounted into the space. The cameras incorporate high-sensitivity, low-noise ½.86” 3-MOS imagers that produce stunning pictures, even in low light conditions. They also include key broadcast features including Power over Ethernet+ (POE+) for easier integration, and multi-stream transmission of H.264 HD video and audio (up to 1080/60p at 24Mbps.). All equipment is mounted in the ceiling, including control and interface systems, creating a clean, pristine public space with windows on each side. The cameras are controlled remotely by producers in the station’s main studio in nearby Salisbury Township.

Additionally, WFMZ-TV needed a video wall solution to serve as a backdrop for its anchors. The team required a video wall with not only a small footprint and thin bezel, but also one that included integrated content management. The station selected Panasonic’s 55” TH-55LFV50 LCD video wall professional displays, installed in a 4×4 configuration. These direct LED backlit professional displays are ideal for installations in bright locations. The displays offer exceptional 800cd/m2 brightness, and a high level of contrast for superior color reproduction. The TH-LFV50 professional displays are built for 24-hour, seven days a week operation and include a built-in cooling fan which prevents overheating in the upper screens of a multi-screen installation. The displays include a super narrow 5.3-mm bezel so borders can barely be seen, making nearly seamless images vibrant, natural and eye-catching. The displays also include integrated software to easily manage content on each screen, in virtually any configuration, eliminating the need for additional equipment.

Panasonic Announces Free ROP Application for Remote Control Of AG-DVX200PJ
Panasonic has announced that an AG ROP (Remote Operation Panel) application facilitating remote control* of the AG-DVX200PJ 4K camcorder from an iPad is immediately available as a free download from the Apple App Store.

The new AG ROP app enables wireless remote control of the DVX200PJ’s picture quality adjustment, zoom, focus and REC start/stop. This easy touch control via iPad furthers the utility of the DVX200PJ in crane, jib and other mobile applications.